Shell out $1 mn for candlelight dinner date with Prez-elect

WASHINGTON: Donald Trump’s richest supporters can enjoy a “candlelight dinner” with the President-elect and his Vice President-elect Mike Pence by shelling out $1 million and more.

Trump’s inaugural committee is offering elaborate presidential perks – including candlelight dinner with the President-elect, Cabinet nominees and congressional leaders – for supporters ready to make seven-figure contributions for the billionaire tycoon’s swearing-in on January 20.

The supporters will get a slew of special perks during the inauguration weekend, including eight tickets to a “candlelight dinner” that will feature “special appearances” by Trump, his wife Melania, Pence and his wife Karen, ‘The Washington Post’ reported.

The inauguration committee is taking contributions not just from individuals but corporations, just as President Obama did for his second inauguration in 2013, according to the Center for Public Integrity.

Other million-donor benefits include an exclusive lunch “with select Cabinet appointees and House and Senate leadership,” four tickets to “an intimate dinner” with the Pences, eight tickets to a lunch with “the ladies of the first families,” eight tickets and premier access to the inaugural ball and priority booking at “Premier Inaugural Hotel (s)”.

“The Inaugural events are, to a large extent, privately funded so as to not use taxpayer dollars. For the 58th Presidential Inaugural, any and all funds raised above amounts needed to fund the Inaugural events will be donated to charitable organisations,” the report said.

The committee is offering ample opportunities for wealthy backers to mingle with top administration figures. The donor tiers range from $25,000 to $1 million, with tailored rewards for each level, according to the benefits list.

Contributors who give at least USD 100,000 will get two tickets to “an intimate policy discussion and dinner with select Cabinet appointees.”

In 2013, Obama’s committee reported raising $44 million, including big contributions from AT&T, Boeing, Chevron and Microsoft.